Characterization of silane treated and untreated natural cellulosic fibre from corn stalk waste as potential reinforcement in polymer composites

•Natural corn stalk fibres (CSF) were characterized in this work.•Effects of silane treatment on the fibres were studied.•5 wt% saline treated CSF (316.3 ± 36.63 MPa) have better tensile strength.•Silane treatment improved CSF-matrix bonding and impact strength of composites.•This research confirms silane treated CSF as potential reinforcement in polymer composites.